'Everyone should enjoy each other's success' - Shami On Sitting Out Before Returning With Fifer in IND vs NZ World Cup 2023 Match

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Mohammed Shami has said one doesn't feel guilty of sitting out when team is doing well following his five-wicket haul that helped Team India maintain a perfect start at the ICC World Cup 2023.

Shami, who warmed the bench in the first four matches, played his first match of the ongoing show-piece tournament, and his return was in style as his figures of 5 for 54 helped bundle New Zealand to 273 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday (October 22).

The seasoned pacer struck with his very first delivery, removing Will Young and followed that with scalps of Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Daryl Mitchell.

Shami was thrilled to be back in the 11 and play a role in the victory, but said it's not hard to wait on the sidelines especially when team in doing well.

"When you come back after a long time to the XI it is important to get confidence early. That first game helped me get that confidence. It's not too hard (waiting by the sidelines) if your team is doing well. They are your teammates and if they are doing well then you should be supporting them. If it's in the team's interest, I'm okay with it," Shami said after the match.

Despite carrying drinks in the first four matches, Shami stressed that he did not feel "guilty" or sad sitting outside as the team was winning, he said one can only deliver the goods only when presented with an opportunity.

"I was watching the action from the bench. I can only showcase my skills and come up with the performances expected of me when I get a game. However, it is difficult to stay motivated when you are not playing," Shami said at the post-match press conference.

"But if your team is performing and there are positive vibes in the dressing room, I don't think there's any reason to feel guilty sitting outside, as you are also a part of the team, a part of the World Cup squad. I think everyone should enjoy each other's success."

The 33-year-old pacer became the first Indian bowler to take two five wicket hauls in the ODI World Cup. His first fifer came in 2019 World Cup against England.

On his five-wicket haul, Shami said when someone is turning out for the country in a World Cup, every wicket is important. He stated that he enjoyed all his wickets.

"I enjoyed all the wickets I took. When you play for the country, every wicket that you take is important. Every wicket that you add to your tally is useful. It's not like I liked one wicket or dismissal more than the other. I enjoy all my wickets," Shami added.

After Shami's fifer bundled New Zealand to 273, chase-master Virat Kohli struck 95 to lead India to their fifth successive win in ICC World Cup 2023 and to top of the table.

(With Agency inputs)